Watch Shakespeare & Hathaway

Shakespeare & Hathaway is a popular British detective drama series created by BBC which is now streaming on BritBox. The show is set in the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which is also the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The series follows the adventures of private investigators, Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway, who join forces to solve crimes that baffle the local police.

Luella Shakespeare is a former hairdresser and a bit of an oddball, who loves Shakespearean theatre and has an encyclopedic knowledge of everything Shakespeare-related. Frank Hathaway, on the other hand, is an ex-hairdresser who spent some time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Hathaway is a bit of a grump, who prefers to work alone and hides behind a grouch facade. However, the two make a great team, and together they are unstoppable.

The show follows a “Case of the Week” format. Each episode, Luella and Frank get entangled in a new mystery that always manages to tie in with some element of Shakespeare's works. It is interesting how the writers manage to cleverly weave Shakespeare's plays into each case. Often, the answer lies in the interpretation of the often surprising relevance of the literature in unsuspecting circumstances.

The show is not a typical police procedural, as Luella and Frank go about their investigations in unconventional ways. They often break into places, impersonate people, and lie to suspects to get what they want, despite not being actual police officers. At first, their curious way of investigating often causes friction with the real detectives. The show's strength is in its blend of comedy, mystery and the brilliant repertoire between our heroes. The humor is often a bit slapstick, but it never detracts from the overall storyline.

The show has an excellent supporting cast that includes Inspector Brackenreid, a weary police detective who is always torn between his desire to solve the case and his disdain for Shakespeare. Sebastian Brudenell, the crime writer and lawyer, often provides Luella and Frank with legal advice and helps them navigate tricky situations. The local tea-shop entrepreneur Gloria, delivers comedic relief and cryptic messages. These recurring characters are entertaining and make for a well-rounded cast. Some guest appearances by well-known British actors are a treat to watch and bring top-notch talent to the show.

The cinematography is stunning, with the historic city of Stratford-upon-Avon as a backdrop. The town provides a gorgeous setting full of Tudor buildings, cobbled streets and beautiful gardens. The show is done in classic BBC production style, with quality sound mixing, seamless scene edits and picturesque transitions. The overall production quality is excellent.

The show deals with themes of friendship and loyalty, romance, community and plenty of clever winks at Shakespeare's works. Luella and Frank's friendship grows and deepens, but they constantly rub each other the wrong way. The ongoing will-they-or-won’t-they tension between Luella and Frank creates a touch of romance and perhaps sets the stage for future plot twists. The show’s delightful writing and impeccable acting serve to strengthen the themes and character arcs.

Overall, Shakespeare & Hathaway is an entertaining and engaging show that meshes crime investigation, British wit and Shakespeare's bard in a perfect blend. The show is witty, charming, and a bit eccentric, and it is perfect for fans of mysteries and British television. The show will have you appreciating the wit of Shakespeare, wishing you had become a detective, and wandering the English countryside admiring the aesthetics. After binge-watching a few episodes, you'll likely be planning your next trip to the UK and trying to stock up on some Shakespearean knowledge.

Shakespeare & Hathaway is a series that ran for 4 seasons (40 episodes) between and on BritBox